November | December 2015

Update Infrastructure

Rainbow Bridge showing the rocky ramp and inflatable cofferdam

Haggart Island Dam Decommissioning Work is now complete on decommissioning the weir under the Rainbow Bridge in Stewart Park (Town of Perth). The old weir has been replaced with a rocky ramp, which is an innovative dam replacement option and river restoration technique. The ramp allows the Tay River to “flow split” into channels which help alleviate flooding in the park. This restoration technique allows for better fish habitat and fish passage as well. The ramp maintains historic upstream water levels that are important to the community while still being aesthetically pleasing. Canoeists and kayakers can now safely navigate downstream. This project is a good balance between community and environmental needs while being a great alternative and innovative method to decommission old and failing dams. One of the construction highlights was the use of an inflatable cofferdam, which enabled work to be completed safety and efficiently with the least impact on the river. MIKE can give you more information at ext. 1176 or michael. yee@ rvca.ca.

Motts Mills dam replacement — earthen berm with arched steel pipe culverts and two drop inlet water control structure on the far side

Motts Mills Dam Replacement Work to decommission the failing, 63-year-old dam located just off County Road 1 in Elizabethtown- Kitley is now complete. Ducks Unlimited Canada guided construction which saw the installation of an large clay berm across the creek. Within the berm, trenches were dug for two steel and concrete water level control devices (drop inlet structures) and two large arched steel pipe culverts; together these will control water levels in Hutton Marsh. Once these structures were installed the berm was backfilled. Final touches to the project were the installation of erosion blankets. A beaver baffler was also installed to discourage our national animal from building dams in the area. The old concrete dam will be partially dismantled while heavy equipment is still on site. Contact JASON for more information at ext. 1152 or jason.hutton @rvca.ca. Britannia Flood Control Project The warmer than normal fall weather has allowed for great progress in construction of the Britannia Village Flood Control Project. The project will protect parts of the Britannia Village community from future Ottawa River floods. Construction is slated for completion late next summer. Updates on the project will appear in upcoming Around the Rideaus and at www. rvca.ca. Contact TERRY for more information Britannia Flood Control Project — construction underway at ext. 1107 or terry. davidson@ rvca.ca.

November | December 2015

David Bartlett Park showing one of the new public access points

Shoreline Improvements at David Bartlett Park Completed A recent partnership between the City of Ottawa and RVCA has resulted in a successful shoreline restoration project at Manotick’s David Bartlett Park. For years, the park’s steep shoreline has experienced significant erosion resulting in soil washing into the river, deteriorating water quality and fish habitat. The project improves access to the river by re-grading and reinforcing the shoreline at two locations. New fencing has been installed directing park users towards access points. Trees and shrubs have been planted to stabilize, restore and protect the remaining shoreline — with more plantings planned for spring 2016. Park users are strongly encouraged to use these new access points and prevent their dogs from accessing the water along the fragile shoreline. “We wanted to find a way to address the shoreline erosion issues at the park but still encourage access to the river,” says RVCA project lead Andrea Klymko, “...the worst erosion was at the most popular access points for the dogs. Two of these spots have been designated as formal access points while the rest are being retired.” This project is a win-win for the Rideau River and park users and their pooches! For more information contact Andrea at ext. 1173, andrea. klymko@ rvca.ca.

Partners Work Together to Replace Dying Trees Chapman Mills Conservation Area is suffering from the effects of the emerald ash borer ( EAB) and Dutch elm disease. EAB is a non-native invasive insect that attacks and kills ash trees. Dutch elm disease is a fungus that spreads through the roots causing trees to slowly decay. Both of these normally robust and resilient pioneer trees will soon be all but extinct. “The loss of ash and elms has a big impact on our natural areas — leaving gaps in our tree canopy,” says Kristy Giles, Conservation Lands Director. “Our goal was to replace the trees as quickly as possible.” Thanks to partners Avison Young and Tree Ottawa, Chapman Mills has seen 325 seedlings planted this fall. Avison Young provided the seedlings and keen staff who did the planting. Tree Ottawa provided the support and equipment that got the job done. Dead or dying trees will be cut down along popular trails this winter to avoid safety risks to park users. For more information contact KRISTY at Dead ash trees, victims of emerald ash borer ext. 1178, kristy. giles@ rvca.ca.

Winter Adventurers Day Camp Fill up those PA days with winter fun! Programs are geared for kids aged six to twelve and are hosted by our knowledgeable RVCA interpreters. Learn how to snowshoe, put up a shelter, build campfires and cook outdoors! The fun will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $40/child and $35 for additional children in the same family. Each session can accommodate up to 25 children. Pre- Registration is required. Baxter camp runs January 22, 2016 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Foley Mountain camp runs on February 3, 2016 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To Register for Baxter contact ANDREA at 613- 489-3592, andrea.wood@ rvca.ca. To register for Foley Mountain call REBECCA at 613-273-3255 rebecca. whitman@ rvca.ca or visit www. rvca.ca/active-outdoor-life . Around the Rideau

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority Bell Baker, Barristers and Solicitors — 613-237-3444, Effectively providing quality legal Box 599, 3889 Rideau Valley Drive services in Eastern Ontario for over 50 years Manotick, ON K4M 1A5 613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 Bird Richard, Lawyers for Employers — 613-238-3772, www. lawyersforemployers.ca www. rvca.ca Representing management in labour and employment law across Ontario Follow us @ twitter.com/ RideauValleyCA Like us @ facebook.com John Callan, Accredited Senior Agent (ASA) & Sales Thank Representative with Coldwell Banker Rhodes & Co ., Brokerage — Around the Rideau is made possible Proud to be part of and provide professional real estate services to the You thanks to our generous sponsors: Big Rideau Lake community for over 10 years TO OUR GENEROUS SponsorS!

Ramada Ottawa on the Rideau — 613-288-3500, Previously The Monterey Hotel — Offers 87 fully renovated rooms with balconies overlooking the Rideau River. It is an Oasis in the city